Atelier Des Lumieres – Immersion in Art and Music
Bonjour,
On this very hot and dusty summer day, we treated ourselves to something spectacular. We’ve been reading about a very different art experience in the 11th arrondissement near where Bernie was born. In fact, this is the actual apartment where he drew his first breath…not in a hospital. 
This is a very long post and for those of you who love art, you’ll be in heaven; others maybe not, but humor me and take a look. First a little about what this exhibit is and where it is located. And we dedicate this post to our dear friend Peggy Bilbro who would have adored this!!
I’m quoting from some of their printed material produced by CultureSpaces. By the way, the word “atelier” in French means workshop.
“The Atelier des Lumières is participating in the widespread cultural vitality of eastern Paris. It is a unique space, not only because it is the only digital art center that focuses exclusively on immersive exhibitions, but also because it has the world’s largest permanent multimedia installation covering 3,300 square meters of surface area, from floor to ceiling, and on walls up to 10 meters high.” Their goal with this exhibit is to offer a different, innovative experience toward learning about art, and to replace contemplation with immersion. The creators have noticed that traditional museums are not reaching everyone even in Paris. The Atelier exhibitions project digitized images of masterpieces that are animated and put to music on immense surfaces. For people new to art, this initial discovery may encourage them to more easily decide to visit a museum. For art lovers, it’s an opportunity to see these works in a new, more sensorial way.”
The exhibit features the timeless career of Gustav Klimt. The first presentation spans one century of Viennese painting via a journey to the heart of the luminous colorful works of the artist, some of his contemporaries, and others he inspired. All are accompanied by a fantastic musical score to include classical works from Wagner, Beethoven, Strauss and Mahler. Bernard adored the music and almost went to sleep!! Most people were sitting on the floor and it was hard to walk around for fear of stepping on someone. The floors were very much a part of the display, constantly changing and moving. I almost got motion sick a time or two.
Now about the space which has a strong identity and history. “After searching for two years, we found a former cast-iron foundry, built in 1835 by the Pichon family, which had remained in business for over 100 years…With its monumental architecture, structured by the original metal framework, the former foundry offers a perfect setting for these digital exhibitions.” It took two years to complete the project, refitting, rebuilding the roof, and soundproofing. And a final quote, “With the Atelier des Lumières, we rose to the challenge of redeveloping an industrial heritage on behalf of art.” Thank goodness, they did!! Enjoy the photos and I hope the videos play.
For sure check out the final photo which is the “street scene” of the day…Bernie in front of L’Eglise St. Ambroise where he was baptized.
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By the way, almost all of these photos were taken by moi on my iPhone…just too fast for Bernie to capture. Sometimes, cheap is better…ha!
Stay cool,
L & B
July 24, 2018 @ 4:34 pm
No words come close. Awe-inspiring. Magic. (And on a cell phone!)
July 24, 2018 @ 4:54 pm
Did any of the videos come through? Some were too long to load. I have to remember about 30 seconds as a max. Had my hair cut this morning. Always a little bit scary!
July 24, 2018 @ 4:56 pm
This is staggering!! You are totally immersed in the art!
Kudos on capturing the immensity of this.
Loved seeing where Bernie was born and the beautiful church where he was baptized.
Thanks for sharing.
July 24, 2018 @ 5:01 pm
Thanks, Jemelee. I understand it’s been very, very hot on Valley Hill Circle. Hope you’re summer is going well.
July 24, 2018 @ 5:05 pm
Thank you so much for visiting this and sharing the photos. I hope you were awed by the pure artistic imagination. This exhibition was perhaps the thing I was most looking forward to seeing this summer. I guess we will have to follow it to next year’s locale. Meanwhile… I’ll just keep isitijg Paris through your blog. Thanks, with many bisous.
July 24, 2018 @ 5:08 pm
A surprise awaits you upon our return.
July 24, 2018 @ 5:37 pm
Absolutely fabulous! Thank you for including such grand photos. The next best thing to bring there. But then, I enjoy every day you share with us.
July 24, 2018 @ 6:45 pm
Absolutely remarkable! I enjoyed this adventure so very much. Thank you!
July 24, 2018 @ 7:06 pm
Looks like an amazing experience and your photos are fab 🙂
Despite the dazzling art/music my favourite photos today are of Bernie’s birthplace and the church where he was baptised. I remember reading in your book about finding it and talking with the priest. So special! Love seeing it and have added to our Paris list (like you we enjoy going inside churches we happen to pass by!).
Cheers and stay cool if possible.
July 24, 2018 @ 8:26 pm
Linda, here’s a link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbd6j28s7To I think there are 3 or 3 videos. I saw them when I was researching Gustav Klimt an they’re wonderful. I can’t believe you actually saw them. The photos are beautiful
July 25, 2018 @ 3:53 am
Thanks for the link! Yes, I think we’re privileged to have experienced this. The best view was with a pillow and a mat, prone on the floor!
July 24, 2018 @ 10:44 pm
Dennis & I just looked at all of this together!
We are astonished! Marvelous photos Linda! Bravo!
Missing you & Bernie & Sharon & Johnny & Paris!
Love to all!
July 25, 2018 @ 3:51 am
How is Barcelona? It took Sharon and Johnny 42 hours to finally make it home. Weather in the US. Sharon’s arm was not broken!
July 25, 2018 @ 12:45 am
I told you about this before you left. SO glad you went. Thanks for all the amazing photos!!!!!
July 25, 2018 @ 3:50 am
Yes, it’s been on our list but just haven’t had time to do it. Truly amazing.
July 25, 2018 @ 2:52 am
Oh….thanks for posting these photos! We are planning to take the Eurostar from London to Paris for a day trip in September specifically to see this exhibit! It looks like it is going to be worth it! Talk about immersion in art! Wow!
July 25, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
Oh my goodness what a wonderful multi- sensory experience! You and Your I phone captured some stunning photos.
July 27, 2018 @ 3:30 pm
This looks amazing! Spectacular photos Linda. Thank you for sharing. X
July 27, 2018 @ 3:32 pm
Merci, and looking forward to seeing you on August 3. Aren’t you also having a canicule in London?